Shooting In the Dark

Since I am not really sure what I want to do with the characters that have been bombarding me I am focusing on other things at the moment to keep me writing. I was talking to my friend and Municipal Liaison, Elise, about helping out with content on the Lake Writers Blog and she recommended trying some things I haven't attempted or stuff that made me uncomfortable. She said something like lots of bad writing is practice for better writing, but much more elegantly I'm sure. So I decided to practice writing in first person. I wrote it and that took a long time. I edited it the first time and that took a long time. Then I tried to talk myself into sharing it looking for feedback and that took a long time. (Convincing myself to share not the feedback.) I am not completely thrilled with the middle, but like the beginning and LOVE the end. 

ROW80 Rundown

1. Make the check-ins on Sundays and Wednesdays - This is my first check in since I started so I am at 100%! YAY! (Though I am pushing it at after 11:30pm on getting the post finished.)
2. Visit 5 fellow ROW80 bloggers each check-in - I visited 5 ROW80 friends posts and commented on 3.
3. Write 500 words every day - I wrote almost 800 words in a flash fiction on Monday that will appear on the Lake Writer's Blog on Wednesday the 24th. It is in need of some new love because 2015 was a rough year and things fall to the wayside. Tuesday I didn't write anything because I had to drive like 200 miles round trip with 3 kids in tow. Today I worked on this blog so not enough words. This section originally ended with I have some time before the kids are done playing and I am planning to get some writing done, but that so did not happen. 

What do you work on if you find yourself between projects or if you need a break from a project that is confounding you? Please leave me a comment to say hello. Don't forget to let me know where you are visiting from so I can follow you back and see what you're up to.

Photos by Pixabay.

N is for NaNoWriMo

I was supposed too be telling you all how my Camp NaNo novel was going, but I wasn't able to get to it because of health issues. I am hoping to start again in the next round, which I believe is in June. So I've been using this A to Z to identify and answer questions and problems that plotting has brought to my attention.

NaNoWriMo is an amazing event held in November where you attempt to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. That's 1667 words every day. It is a very interesting organization and you can read the history here. It is worth the read if you have a few minutes.

My favorite part is the camaraderie. I have met some of the most amazing people and they have been unbelievably supportive. I have never made it across the NaNo finish line, but plan to keep trying.

Have you participated in NaNoWriMo? Do you like extreme challenges to get you moving? Or do you work better at your own pace? Please leave a comment and don't forget to let me know where you came from so I can follow you back.

A is for Aspiring Author

Today is the first day of April which releases The Blogging From A to Z Challenge. I have been trying to get ready for a while now, but as per usual it's go time and I am still trying to get ready. I'm sitting down to write this post and am still not really sure exactly what I'm doing. I did find this really cool article about 10 Safe April Fools Pranks. I think they are hilarious, but best of all they won't hurt anyone. It's just good fun. I probably should have been using my time more productively, but sometimes you just need a break.

A is for Aspiring Author. I always wanted to be an author. I guess it runs in the family. When my dad passed away we found lots of books on how to become a writer among his things. Sadly we didn't come across anything he wrote himself. I am not even sure he ever got to the point of writing. It's a big scary leap! So here I am an aspiring author. I have put a lot of work into my story already and haven't even really started writing. 

I am feeling a little overwhelmed because I signed up for so many things none of which I've completed in the past. However, I am also feeling excited because everything has come together in this month. Besides A to Z, I am jumping into Camp NaNo. It's also the first Wednesday of the month making it time for the Insecure Writers Support Group. There are so many amazingly supportive and knowledgeable people bouncing around in these challenges. It makes me hopeful that I will find the help and support I need to make it across the finish line, all the finish lines. Please drop me a supportive comment and let me know where you're visiting from, with a link if you can, so I can follow you back and cheer you on as well. We will get through this together and come out better and stronger because of it.  

A is also for Attractive protagonist. Do you tend to write your protagonist with above average appearance? I actually can't recall reading a book where the protagonist was not handsome unless it was a major aspect of the plot. For example Beauty and the Beat, Hunchback of Notre Dame, A Spell For Chameleon and so on. All of mine tend to be smokin' hot and randy. Maybe it's because I like to read stories with a strong romance plot even if it's subordinate. I'm not sure if this is a problem or something that just is. What do you think?

PS: There actually was an awesome article about 10 Safe April Fools Pranks and I swear this one will not get you cheezy Eighties music. So click with confidence and happy April Fools.

Photos from Pixabay

Liebster Award Nomination

I was graciously nominated for the Liebster by fellow Lake Writer, Elise VanCise. The Liebster is a getting to know you kind of post. A fun way for bloggers and readers to get acquainted. The nominator picks 11 nominees and gives each of them a set of 11 questions to answer on their blog. In response, the nominees choose 11 new nominees from their circle and gives them a different set of 11 questions.

Basically, it's kind of like an interview. You might even be nominated more than once. Which is okay because you get to answer different questions and have more fun. Now on to my set of questions hatched by Elise.

1. If you could spend a day in a book which book would it be and what would you do?

Easiest question EVER! I would choose Lord of the Rings. My heart already lives in Middle Earth so getting to spend a day there would be a dream come true. The thing I would like to do most is spend time with Tom Bombadil. No he wasn't in the movie, stop looking at me like that. I adore that he was able to handle the ring and not be influenced by it's power. 

Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow, Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow. None have ever caught him yet, for Tom, he is the master: His songs are stronger songs, and his feet are faster. —The Fellowship of the Ring

2. What are 3 things that are rarely known about you?

Secrets, embarrassing stories and confidential information. No, seriously I'm not gonna tell you.

3. What is your favorite coffeehouse treat?

Mile High Peanut Butter Pie from Austin's Coffee. Where they know not to include the whipped cream, but to double the peanut butter crumbles. I will go with it's because they love me.

4. Do you like to write with music or utter silence? If music, tell us what inspires your muse.

Usually I write with my husband yelling at the video game that he is playing in the same room and snoring coming from my son's room. Maybe this is one of my problems with the writing experience

5. Tell us what makes your hometown awesome.

We have the whole Disney World thing going on. Plus there is Sea World and Universal. When I lived in Orlando I was a pass holder and pretty addicted to Disney. I have literally been the last person out the Magic Kingdom gate. The staff never said anything to us, but followed us from Fantasy Land through the stores and to the front gate creating a human blockade to keep us from turning around. When they closed the gate there was loud and rowdy cheering. It was quite the experience.

6. What inspired you to become a writer?

There is a story in my head and I need to get it out so that I can have room for stuff like the bills and other things I am supposed to be doing. That and apparently I am into torturing myself.

7. What is your favorite book to movie adaption?

I don't really like movies that much. Yes, I have been told I am an odd one before. They are usually pale imitations of the tomes that they are portraying. That being said the costuming, scenery, visual effects and set building in the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit movies were stunning and made a part of that movie come alive for me. Not that my imagination couldn't experience it until Peter Jackson put it to film, but they left the Shire standing. I can actually take a trip there, if I could ever afford it. I think that makes them my favorite adaption.

8. Where is your favorite place to write?

My favorite place to write is at a coffee shop or a Denny's type place. Even with all the hustle and bustle it is still quieter or at least less distracting than my house.

9. Have you ever participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)?

Yes, I have. I participated in 2011, 2012 and 2013. I decided to take a break in 2014 which I regretted a week or so into November. I will be back for the 2015 season.

10. Do you have a routine or thing that makes you feel ready to write? Like a special shirt or a writing exercise.

No, but I should probably get one of those. Maybe if I had a routine it would help me get in the mood to write faster and more often.

11. If the Tardis appeared outside of your house. What would you do?

If the Tardis appeared outside my house I guess I would load the gun. If the Dr. is here, shit just got real!

Well, there you have it 11 random things about me. Now it's my turn to pass the spotlight.

I would like to nominate 11 people, but to be honest there aren't 11 people who come to my blog on a regular basis. Instead I have listed 1 person from Lake Writers, 4 people who subscribe to my blog who also have a recent post and last but not least **YOU**. That still doesn't get me to 11, but sometimes your best is all you can do.

1. Katherine Starbird
2. Susan Says
3. ... MICHAEL DI GESU ... ... ... In Time ... ...
4. Menopausal Mother
5. Writing Off The Edge
6. YOU! THAT'S RIGHT IF YOU READ THIS FAR THEN I NOMINATE YOU! LEAVE A COMMENT SO I KNOW TO FOLLOW YOU BACK TO YOUR BLOG AND SEE YOUR ANSWERS!

Your questions are:

1. What is your name? What is your quest? What is your favorite color? OK so those aren't my real questions, but I couldn't resist.

The real questions:

1. What character from a book would you most like to meet and why?

2. What is your favorite TV show?

3. Have you ever suffered from writer's block and if so how did you get around it?

4. What is something only your family would say about you?

5. Where would you go on a dream vacation?

6. Do you have any hobbies besides writing and reading? What are they?

7. If you could live in another time, which time would you choose to live in?

8. Who would you rather be Pinky or The Brain?

9. What is your idea of a perfect date?

10. If you could have a supper power what would it be and why?

11. What 3 words describe you best?


ROW80 quickie:

1. Write 500 words per day on any project.
Monday: More of the writing in the book thing while on the road/indisposed.
Tuesday: 648 actually typed on The Most Magical Place
Wednesday: 1206 on this post (Probably too many, but fun.)

2. Blog at least every Wednesday and Sunday.
Still doing this and feeling accomplished.

3. Check out at least 10 posts from each new ROW80 linky before the next one comes out.
I only made it to 8.

4. Use Twitter at least once per day.
Check again.

5. Post on my author Facebook page at least 3 times per week.

As Meatloaf would say, "Two outta Three aint bad."

6. Read 1 book per week.
Not much progress.

Some images by Pixabay
photo credit: stop the writers block via photopin (license)

WIP, Education and ROW80 Check-in

Maybe throwing a tantrum on my blog was a bad idea or maybe it was just what I needed. The overwhelmingly kind response to my frustration and disappointment was humbling. I appreciate my Lake Writers and ROW80 families even more now.

I wanted to take a break from my WIP and try writing something else for a while, but it is haunting me. My dear writer friend Elise VanCise has been telling me for a long time to try Hiveword to keep my writing organized and safer so I have been entering characters and settings as background info. That way I am still working on the story, but not as intensely. For the purposes of ROW80 I will be counting any work on Hiveword towards my writing goals.

Photographer Keven Roberts was at the Renaissance Faire and he took a ton of pictures. None of me, because who wants a chick in garb answering questions when they can have knights and squires beating the heck out of each other. I have permission to share them so I figured that I would include the one I liked best. Sir Geoffrey Maynard The Great Turtle educating Squire Ampersan.


ROW80 rundown:

1. Write 500 words per day on any project.
Thursday - 292 words on the beginning of this post. Yes, I felt the impact of your writerly love that soon. 100 words in Hivemind. For a total of 392 which is still short, but much better than I had been doing.
Friday - 1,063 words on WIP and Hivemind due to Crazy Weekend of Writing which started out as a comment on the Facebook NaNoWriMo group and turned into some CRAZY people writing together. Maybe if we do it again we can make it a thing and see how many more crazy people out there would like to join us.
Saturday - 406 on WIP and Hivemind
Sunday - 291 words on this post, but at the time of this posting the day is still so young I haven't slept yet. I will get crazy when I wake up.

2. Blog at least every Wednesday and Sunday.
Much success. I started the bones of this post way before it was due and that really helped. I will try to do that more often.

3. Check out at least 20 posts from each new ROW80 linky before the next one comes out.
I made it to 16. Still not quite there, but I am not ready to reevaluate the goal yet. I have been missing it regularly so that might be something I have to do in the future.

4. Use Twitter at least once per day.
My Twitter addiction is still going strong. I stumbled upon a nifty sight called Tagboard. It puts out a display of cross platform posts that include a specific hashtag you search for. There is also information about how often it is used and if the posts were positive, negative or neutral. They also have other similar hashtags to search. I have found it very helpful in my quest to locate content that I want to share quickly. Which is something I have been having a problem achieving. The best part is I can respond and retweet right from their display.

5. Post on my author Facebook page at least 3 times per week.
For the first time since I jumped in this is a happy yes! The third post wasn't amazing, but it was there. I will work on content soon enough. Baby steps.

6. Read 1 book per week.

Not so much. I have made little progress on the book I was reading. I did however start reading A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle for my mystery. I can read it on my phone after the lights go out and not bother my hubby as much.

Jumping In Late and Running Like Hell!

Yea, so hi. It's been a long time. How long has it been? Well, I was wondering that same thing and would you believe it has been 514 days? That is a really long time. Well, it is for a blog. In my personal life there have been so many changes it's like riding the freaking Kingda Ka! Though I really hate roller coasters, (Don't judge me!) so yea, that would NEVER happen.

As far as writing I have basically skipped ahead to this time without doing much. I am still working on the same stories, none of them are remotely close to being finished. I even skipped NaNoWriMo last year because of health problems and other commitments. Which I realized a few days into November that I was really pissed with myself for not participating. It isn't that I get so much done with that challenge or that I have ever won, but the NaNo community is just so helpful and I didn't even try to pursue writing until I heard of NaNoWriMo.

The past is in the past and there isn't anything I can do about it. So now it's time to focus on the future and setting my goals for ROW80. If you don't know what ROW80 is, I am honestly wondering how you got here, it's the writing challenge that knows you have a life.

1. Write 500 words per day on any project.

I am including this blogs posts, flash fiction and going back to my work in progress. I am not including words written while on social media or leaving and responding to comments.

2. Blog at least every Wednesday and Sunday.

I am sure you all know why I chose those days, yay check-in days. I would love to post 3 or more times a week, but that commitment will have to wait until I am steadily posting 2 times a week for an extended period of time.

3. Check out at least 20 posts from each new ROW80 linky before the next one comes out.

The ROW80 community is a very supportive one. I want to make sure I am an active part of that community and that means visiting other blogs not just putting mine out there. I have learned so much from hopping from you guys and I am excited to get back to cheering you on as we all strive to meet our goals.

4. Use Twitter at least once per day.

I am sure in this day and age you will be shocked to find a relatively young person (The fact that I had to use that kind of modifier for the word young makes me mournful.) who doesn't know more than the very basics of Twitter, but yes that is me. I have an account and have posted before, but have never used this "HASHTAG" thingy to join a conversation. Though I have read several posts recently assuring me this thing I seek can happen.

5. Post on my author Facebook page at least 3 times per week.

I have been just as neglectful of my Facebook page as my poor blog and I plan to rectify these grievous oversights. I will post when I publish a blog post, but I don't want it to just be a look at my blog thing. So part of this goal is to post helpful and entertaining links and hopefully a few contests on my Facebook page as well.

6. Read 1 book per week.

I am not just reading random books. I have joined the 2015 Reading Challenge. It is simple, kind of, there are 50 categories and you read a book that fits each category. One of the categories is read a trilogy so you end up with 52 books, which breaks down to 1 book per week. This is a lot for me because I don't read fast and have a tendency to reread the same books repeatedly. I was drawn to the 2015 Reading Challenge because it is supposed to help you move out of your comfort zone and discover books that you may not have ever found. There are also people who are using one book to cover several categories, but I feel it would be more of a challenge to read 1 per requirement.

What steps have you taken to reach your goals? Do you have any tips to help me reach my goals for this round?

photo credit: sean dreilinger via photopin cc

I Stumbled Into A Story Arc

OK so I accidentally ran across this wonderful way to plan out your novel back at NaNoWriMo time. It made so much since to me and I just loved it. However, not having the foresight to realize that at some point I wouldn't be able to find the link in the forums I did not copy down the name of the system or where I found it. I did happen to write down the basic instructions so can still use it, but there was a lot more detail and I would love to find it. I have had several friends searching, all at once at a table at Denny's, and still we didn't find it.

Today, I was searching around and stumbled across Nigel Watts “Eight Point Story Arc” Which is good and close. So I thought I would share it. His book is: Writing A Novel and has a lot more than just the story arc in it.

Stasis – This is your characters everyday life. Before the story really starts.

Trigger – This is something that is beyond the control of your character. It can be big or small.

The Quest – The quest is stimulated by the trigger. The quest can be to return back to the Stasis or to gain some new and pleasant state.

Surprise – This part takes up most of the book. It is comprised of the obstacle and twists that keep the characters moving forward. They shouldn't be too predictable, but if they are way out in left field they won't be believable.

Critical Choice – This is when the characters medal is tested and they must make a choice to proceed. They could also choose not to proceed. This is often a choice between right and wrong or more epically good and evil.

Climax – Is the culmination of all the surprises and choices in the quest and is the height of action.

Reversal – Is the natural consequences of the climax. The characters, especially the main character should be changed by the reversal.

Resolution – Is where you wrap everything up and establish a new Stasis.

The Insecure Writer's Support Group

Last year I read a lot of posts about the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. It is held on the first Wednesday of each month. I found the idea very interesting so I joined. If there is something I am really good at it's complaining, but I don't think that is exactly what this is for. The home page also says something about neurotic writers uniting so I figured this is just the place for me.

I reread some of my manuscript and man am I going to have my work cut out for me when I go back to edit. NaNo is about pounding out the words with no editor, but I am not sure if that is the best way to work. I realized while I was so busy getting down what they did, saw, heard and smelled that I forgot to write what they looked like. So I know that I have to go back and add the physical descriptions of the characters. It is not like I didn't know what they looked like yet it is just that I forgot or didn't do it. My question for anyone out there reading is do you gently work in what they look like in little bits or should I just dump it on the reader when they are first introduced?

Another thing I am having trouble with is naming cities and towns. This is a fantasy so I have to make up the map and I have a rough sketch and idea where things are, but not names. I keep writing things like ***NAME THE DAMN CITY ALREADY*** and ***THE LITTLE TOWN TO THE NORTH THAT WILL NEVER HAVE A FREAKING NAME***. I am not sure if it is helpful, but it makes me feel better. Especially when I am writing and feel like I am screwing up because I haven't named some of the vital elements and people. If there are any fantasy writers out there how do you name your characters and towns?

photo credit: AlicePopkorn via photopin cc

The Great Liebster Award

This author has been given the honor of being nominated for the Liebster Award. I was nominated by Elise VanCise, freelance photojournalist, published in print and digital media. This award is a fantastic opportunity for the nominees to share a part of who they are outside of their usual posts.

Let’s start the fun with 11 questions from Elise to her nominees:

1. In your writing, what do you feel is your greatest strength and weakest point?

I think one of my strong points is that I can get inside the characters head and emotions. My weakest point, besides atrocious spelling, is not finishing the projects that I start. There are lots more, but you only asked for one.

2. Do you have a favorite writing tool?

I love my new laptop! My hubby bought me one and I have been much more productive since. I would also like to say how hard it is to do NaNoWriMo on pen and paper.

3. If you could have a writing retreat anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I think if I could go anywhere I would pick New Zealand. I would want somewhere where you can find a remote place that is beautiful with the comforts of home, but also I would want to see Hobbiton.

4. Dark Chocolate or Milk Chocolate?

I love dark chocolate. I especially love it when it is combined with almonds.Though I did once have milk chocolate covered potato chips which were unbelievably good.

5. What do you think of the 50 Shades of Grey phenomenon?

Oh, she is trying to trap me into admitting I liked them over all. I know there were several editing mistakes and there are lots of people who hate them. However, it gives me hope that I can make it, too. Also, I think it is funny erotica was being sold in such a prominent place in Target and Walmart.

6. Do you have a favorite character, from books (your own or others), movies, or television and what makes them your fave?

My favorite character I have ever read about is in Lord of the Rings. I know what you are saying that is so cliche, but what can I say. Samwise Gamgee is one of my heroes. I bet you thought I was going to go with Frodo or Gandalf. The reason is because he is a supporting character which without his presence the Ring would not have been destroyed. He made many mistakes, but came in at just the right times to save Frodo from opposing forces as well as himself. He also saved the Shire after the Scouring of the Shire by replanting with his gift from Lothlorien.

7. Do you prefer character driven or plot driven stories?

I think i prefer character driven plots. I like to see them change and develop by the end of the story.

8. Kindle or Nook?

I don't have either one, but when I can get one I will probably get a Kindle fire. My friend loves hers.

9. How do you deal with a bad review or critique?

I am not sure. I have not been able to finish my first novel and have only received kindly worded criticism on my flash fiction. Though I would hope that I would take it with grace.

10. What book/s are you reading now?

I must confess that with NaNoWriMo and then the holidays I haven't been reading much. The last book I was reading was Breathless by Tawdra Kandle, which is book two of The King Series. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to move to number 3.

11. Zombies attack, you can use 3 things from where you are sitting right now to defend yourself. What are they and could you survive?

I am sitting at the dining room table and the tree most deadly things near me are a pen, a gingerbread house and oh ya a knife. So I may have a chance, but if I can fend them off for a few steps there are a some swords in the garage that are pretty handy. Though maybe my keyboard would make a good weapon.


11 random things about me:

1. I homeschool my children.
2. I drink Diet Mtn Dew.
3. I love giving presents.
4. I like to bake cookies with my children.
5. I have tamed a wild horse by accident.
6. I mostly prefer YA books.
7. I participate in Renaissance re-creation with the Adrian Empire.
8. I love carving stamps for letterboxing.
9. I am going to start making mead in January.
10. My sister once got bit by a moose.
11. I have known my best friend for 19 years


Now for the fun part passing this prestigious award along to fellow writers/bloggers. My nominees for the Liebster Award are…

Kimberly Kinrade at http://kimberlykinrade.com/
Rose Anderson at http://calliopeswritingtablet.com/
Nicole at http://twistedsense.com/
Michael A. Buccilli at http://mbreventures.blogspot.com/
Kristen Strassel at http://deadlyeverafter.com/
Benjamin X. Wretlind at http://bxwretlind.com/blog/
Steven Vincent at http://trueknights.wordpress.com/
Frances di Plino at http://francesdiplinoreviews.blogspot.fr/
Nicole Pyles at http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/
Donna B. McNicol at http://donnamcnicol.blogspot.com/
Anna Katina at http://www.gayadesigns.com/


And here are the 11 Questions for my nominees:

1. What made you start writing?
2. What is your favorite coffee shop treat?
3. If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
4. What is the loveliest thing you have ever seen?
5. Are the names of the characters in your novels important?
6. What is your favorite bedtime drink?
7. Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?
8. How much research do you do for your books?
9. What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?
10. What makes you laugh?
11. What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

Don't forget to tell us 11 random facts about yourself. Please also put a comment here so we don't miss your answers!

Hobbiton photo credit: suesviews via photopin cc

Zombie photo credit: San Diego Shooter via photopin cc

Post NaNo Post

So we already know I didn't win and why, but I was thinking about what I could do better next time. What was my final word count, you ask. Do I still get a drum roll if I didn't win? A whopping 30,070. This is the second time I have made it just over the 30k mark.

My NaNo experience has been rough, stressful and enriching. I have learned many things. Though I would say that my favorite part of NaNo is the awesome bunch of people in The Lake Writers group. I have made some life long friendships. Also, our local Municipal Liaison is particularly amazing. She seems to never get tired of our asking rudimentary questions and by us I mean mostly me.

I think on of my biggest problems was getting behind and getting discouraged. I was able to use Write or Die successfully. Many 20 min sprints took me from 23k to 30k in 2 days, but they were the last 2 and I was out of time. So what tips do you have for getting back on track if you fall behind?

What's Stopping Me?

This post is very picture heavy so beware!

The month of November is not over, but I am so done. I hit a few road blocks and I would love to share them with you.

My first obstacle was always a known quantity. I am a stay at home homeschooling mom so my children are my number one distraction.

You already know that the Renaissance Faire stole one of my weekends.

Fully armored combat by our knights.

To the yield not the death, so we can hit them again next weekend.

 

Father and son hugging isn't that cute.

The girls have to help the Knights defeat their most challenging foe...the rope.

Ren fighting with Three Musketeer type weapons.

Hubby

My little man on the jousting horse

Next I was kidnapped and forced to go to Disney. With a wonderful friend and her family.

Rowan on the steps of town hall.

Rowan, Alexis and Gwen riding the People Mover.

Gwen holding Abby.

Throw the kids in jail with Zurg.

Gwen and Alexis

Dear friends Susan and Gregg with Abby.

Gwen holding Ariel.

Alexis was so happy to get this horse.

Ariel and Grandma

Ooooo, Ahhhhhh,

Murmur, murmur, murmur.

Then last, but certinally not least we have Thanksgiving. We were blessed to get to see friends from out of state.

Rowan was trying to tell me something, but he was so cute I had to take a pic.

Cousin Chloe holding Lilly.

Too cool

The real star of the show.

Of course there was the Black Friday sales. My sister and I were able to spend a lot of time together and we got some great deals. There was not much crazyness where we were or we were just lucky enough to miss it.